tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88323525625080547822024-02-18T22:46:31.192-08:00Kitchen Sink RevelationsL.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-18026863451020904652021-01-24T19:08:00.000-08:002021-01-24T19:08:34.147-08:00Casting Stones<p><br /></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Are you concerned or perhaps even mad about our new
president’s actions on his first day in office? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may need to take a step back and look at
the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The goals and pathways are being made clear from the get go by
our new leadership in Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this
could be said for all presidents’ first 100 days in office.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you do not know what SOGI laws are, it is time to educate
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, consider the root
causes of this shift in law making.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Perhaps the idea of transgender kids being allowed to play
on sports teams based upon their chosen gender makes you ask:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“What does this mean for my kid?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“What about female rights?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Is this an attack on our Christian values?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">SOGI laws are more complex than what they seem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In order to speak truth into the foreseeable darkness, you
must educate yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, do not misunderstand
me, to have more complete understanding you will need to look outside of your
own standards and beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Then, once you have a fuller picture as to what these legal
actions mean, where they originate from and where they are leading us, take
another step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time for an eagle eye
view.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Society is changing, each year moving farther away from Christendom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, should we be surprised? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To expect people to ascribe to Christian beliefs when they
do not hold to that set of standards is asking someone to enter into a maze and
giving them the wrong map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things will
never add up, North will be South and East will be West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Christ ended his ministry on Earth with clear instructions
for His followers. <i>Go forth and make disciples.</i> Did Jesus say go forth
and condemn the world? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did
further say to teach those who believe all that He has commanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, again, condemning was never an
instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">More than this commission, we also have Christ’s example of
how to reach hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t through
angry voices and bashing gentiles (non-believers) either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ came along side people in their everyday
life, meeting needs and gently asking questions or telling stories that led
people to living waters (John 4:10).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Look around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People are hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The World is
groaning under the weight of the Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Secular theories have led to great inner turmoil, and the remedies the world
offers only increases the turmoil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The more outspoken you become against the things you hate
(you may also label them as things God hates too), the farther you push people
into the arms of their hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">John chapter 8 tells of an interesting account Jesus has with
a woman caught in sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Jesus was
at the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem, the pharisees brought a woman caught in
adultery before Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture says
the motives of the religious leaders were devious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had hoped to catch Jesus in apostasy and
bring charges against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The irony is the
accusing pharisees were themselves not following Mosaic law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Old Testament states if adultery occurs
both the man and woman are to be punished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But only the woman stood before Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I wonder what led the woman to that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While current culture is beginning to move away
from the idea of monogamy, in general, adultery is still considered wrong on
some level even today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why would she choose to step outside of her marriage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she even choose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had she been pushed into the arms of a new
man due to abuse at home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps she
had an arranged marriage that was loveless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or maybe the adultery was not what the pharisees believed it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter the reason, this woman was
broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laid bare before a crowd of
people, angry religious leaders with stones in hand, looking towards
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How did Jesus respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Weirdly, in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Counter-culturally would be a kinder way to describe His actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Jesus stooped and began to write on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did He write?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book of John does not say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, many scholars believe Jesus began to
write counteraccusations pointed towards the pharisees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he simply wrote, “Where is the adulterous
man?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Jesus did His writing in the
dirt, He simply said whoever is without guilt cast the first stone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sometimes in conversations with my husband I will exclaim, “Glass
houses!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rolled eyes are the usual
response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my husband knows precisely
what I am meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Do not go throwing stones at other people when you do not
live in a figurative shatterproof home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Jesus’s dirt note and small statement were effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, the accused woman was left alone
with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The accusers were gone and
Jesus tells the woman to sin no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now, let me ask you this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As you see the world turn farther away from the Lord, are you the red
faced pharisee with a stone in your hand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or, are you looking at people and seeing their broken hearts?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Make no mistake, Jesus ended His encounter with the woman by
telling her to turn from her sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But He
also extended her grace and mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
within ear shot of this woman and to all who were still at the Mount of Olives,
Jesus proclaims more hope:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will
never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It is time for us to look for new avenues to share the
living hope we have in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that
mean we might get messy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that mean we may need to put ourselves
in the shoes of other people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But when we approach hurts and confusion with empathy and
humility perhaps hearts will soften to our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a relational pursuit which means it
will take the building up of personal relationships!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can there be a widespread global impact? The Lord
works in mighty ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, in the meantime,
as secular culture takes hold around you, look for the hurting, confused
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk along side them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to understand them and how they got to
where they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak truth sprinkled
(doused!) with love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray without
ceasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But stop being surprised or angered by the world in such a
way that makes you pick up stones, how can we fulfill the task Jesus has set
for us when we are busy throwing rocks?<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-7822324721647651962021-01-20T19:57:00.000-08:002021-01-20T19:57:29.067-08:00R.E.S.P.E.C.T. find out what it means to me!<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This morning during our daily car ride to school, my oldest
mentioned today was the inauguration of our new president and more than likely
they would discuss it in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked
her what she thought about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
she paused to think for a few moments she said she was excited but also
sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sad? Why?” I questioned her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Because I liked our last president.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, mind you, my oldest has little reference as to what
makes a good president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She, like most
children, frames her beliefs around what she hears in the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may sound like she liked our previous
president because she heard daily adoration for president coming from her
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As I continued to drive towards school, I carefully thought
of how to respond to her statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave
my response careful consideration because I knew that she would most definitely
repeat my words. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Finally, I answered with, “What you felt for our previous
president was respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel this way
because we are called to respect the leaders the Lord has placed over us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t expect my daughter to have a powerful
“lightbulb” moment on our way to school, she simply nodded her head and
continued to look at the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No doubt, as she exited our family van and walked with her
sister into school, this conversation drifted away from her, to be filed into
the outer edges of her brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The file
called “Things Mom Tells Me Too Early in The Morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, as I watched my kids walk into school, I sat there
thinking about our exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is respect
really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The dictionary has quite a list of various definitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esteem for a sense of worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deference to a privileged position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To honor, to show favor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All these definitions would fit for why we “respect”
leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But respect shouldn’t simply be
reserved for places of honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Respect: to show regard or consideration for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, this definition seemed to fit into my
mental puzzle most snuggly this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yet, my brain didn’t stop with simply defining respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, the wheels began to turn, especially
after my second cup of morning coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does respect mean agreement?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is respect only granted when earned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How is respect earned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is respect
lost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let’s start with respect and agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my quick dictionary scan no where did I
see agreement coming up to define respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not even listed in the thesaurus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect does not mean
agreeing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In application to my morning conversation,
I could say to respect our president, past and present, does not mean you must
agree with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise, disagreeing does
not necessarily mean disrespect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What about respect needing to be earned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I did not find any particular action
being a prerequisite of respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can
respect be earned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would even venture to say in this day and
age more often than not people only give respect after it has been earned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, again, that isn’t required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How do we see people earn respect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, when I see a mom skillfully handle a
toddler that has suddenly become possessed by a fire breathing dragon while waiting
in the grocery store check out line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow,
respect mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you be my friend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lastly, how is respect lost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me count the ways…just kidding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You would be reading a long list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, after such a year as 2020 was, I do know that respect is lost
through having differing opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, respect does not mean
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Peter writes to Christians in his first epistle during a
very tumultuous time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nero was the ruler
of Rome, and he waged great persecution on the Christian church in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is believed that Nero set fire to Rome in 65
A.D. and then blamed Christians for the chaos and destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter was even executed by Nero in 68
A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this, we could assume that
Peter may have had some fiery words for Nero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Peter wrote quite the opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 Peter 2:11-12<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep
away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, and maintain good
conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers,
they may see your good deeds and glorify God when He appears.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Peter just
meant treat other normal people this way, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, he didn’t mean “bad” leaders,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He follows
this up with verses 13-17:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake,
whether to a king as supreme or to governors as those he commissions to punish
wrongdoers and praise those who do good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live as free people, not using
your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s servants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honor all people, love the family of
believers, fear God, honor the king.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Peter did not leave much wiggle room here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also didn’t mention the need to agree in
order to do any of these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Again, Peter reiterates this message in 1 Peter 3:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate,
compassionate and humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not return
evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were
called to inherit a blessing.” (vs.8-9)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All of Peter’s words give me pangs of conviction, but none
more than verses 15-17:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be
ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, do it with courtesy and RESPECT, keeping
a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be
put to shame when they accuse you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not only does Peter call Christians, who are enduring enormous
persecution for their faith, to remain above reproach to bring glory to God, to
be subject to the authorities placed over them, whoever they are, Peter calls
Christians to be respectful in how they respond to those who question the source
of their hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, I am no theologian nor am I gifted in
hermeneutics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are words that I can
barely spell without auto-correct!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
do believe Peter is also writing to Christians today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Literally, today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a new president is sworn into office over America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How should we, as Christians, respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a focus on
our actions and how the world sees us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Believe me, the world is watching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should we be chomping at the bit to voice our
disagreements, displeasure, maybe even fear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That desire is strong for all people, including Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we are called to something higher than
making sure our political voices are being heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to love, to be humble, to meet
evil with good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, when our actions
become so alien to what the world does, Peter did call us foreigners after all,
that we are asked why we are different – be ready!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not with all the reasons why we are dissatisfied
with how the world is today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, be
ready with the hope we have in Christ!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My prayer is that in four years, as I am driving my daughter
to, GULP, high school, we will have this conversation again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do I hope we have this conversation
again in four years, about respecting our leaders, but I pray that my child, my
neighbor, the nameless people I encounter daily, will see me living out a life
of respect and humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the leaders
the Lord has placed over me and to all people the Lord places in my path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That is a big prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the Lord loves big prayers!</span><o:p></o:p></p>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-61322368732420597132021-01-19T11:49:00.000-08:002021-01-19T11:49:00.918-08:00"Mamma Mia! Here we go again!"<p><u><b> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">2012 to 2021</span></b></u></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Nine years have passed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Last I wrote a blog post my oldest was 2 years old. I think my mind just broke a little. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thinking over the last almost decade, wow. </span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> W.O.W. </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How incredibly different my life looks as compared to the 9 years younger me. I was just attempting to mentally sum up how life has changed from 2012 to now in one word. I simply cannot do it! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">9 years ago I was just entering into the journey of motherhood and marriage, too! I barely felt like an adult and suddenly I was adulting in a major way. How quaint my previous posts seem to me now...a few recipes...being home sick. Perfect reflection of where I was at the time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In some ways nothing has changed. I still love to cook and try new recipes (which I instantly choose to not follow exactly, sorry Mom) and missing home. Home is a different entity now, though. It is less of a place and now more about people and emotions. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am fully aware of how cliche it is for me to write about life right now in light of pandemic. But, that is life right now. Almost a year ago how naive the world was. In many ways happily living life. Enjoying things like travel, restaurants, toilet paper and good health. Those things are luxuries to many now! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But, if I had to be completely honest, I'm not sure I would want to go back to those times. Because, while life seemed so carefree and busy, it was also lonely. Lonely in the busyness if that even makes sense! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When our life moved into "lock down" I thought well now what to do? Two kids at home and none of our normal outlets available to us. But, you know what? While I was told to change all the ways I was physically living, I decided that perhaps I also needed a change in how I was thinking as well. I am not going to lie and say each day was blissful in our pandemic isolation. However, changing my thoughts to be purposeful in finding the life where we could made each day easier. As the mind habits changed, my heart changed, too. Thank God! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And this was when I started to notice the fatigue of others. The loneliness fatigue. It takes time for fatigue to mount and these signs of fatigue revealed themselves very quickly. What does that mean? I had a suspicion. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lonely in the busyness of life. I believe most people, dare I say all people, were struggling in this for some time. It is easy to miss the signs. I certainly can masks the signs of loneliness very well. Add another activity, organize a room (kon mari anyone?), take a class, work harder and smarter! See, so much to do! How can anyone this busy be lonely?! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Then, having many of these techniques stripped away, there it was: the loneliness. Our lives losing so many things created a vacuum of loneliness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">People need people. Even the people who say they hate people need another person to share that sentiment with! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, no, I do not want to go back to whatever we called normal, whether it was nine years ago or just one year ago. I choose to live in this knew knowledge of our vast loneliness because I also know how to fill that void. Jesus taught His disciples this answer in John 13:34-35:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know I cannot stop a global health crisis. But, with the love Christ has shown me, I can love others and do my part in healing loneliness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I hope this offers encouragement to you! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And, hopefully, my blog will not become lonely for another nine years! </span></p>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-76382020820127090022012-01-07T13:13:00.000-08:002012-01-07T13:13:48.269-08:00Oops!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have not composed an entry since last Spring. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My rather lame reason being I had forgotten my password. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(which is the truth!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My brain suddenly retrieved the lost password for a dark and dusty corner of my mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, here I am!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">By the end of the first week of January I am sure most people are <b><i>SICK</i> </b>of New Year's resolutions. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Understandable. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am not really an active participant in making a yearly resolution. However, I can see why New Years is the perfect starting point for change. Starting at the beginning of something is very logical. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I like logical. I support logical thinking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My mom asked me (a few weeks ago) what my "One Word" was going to be. A very confusing question. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One word I use often? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>Having a toddler...that word would probably be "no"...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One new word I begin using?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">My brain just screeched to a halt trying to think of a new word..so we won't go there.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">No, apparently someone much more creative than me had started this "One Word" thing for the new year. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I just did a quick internet search for the "One Word" blog and didn't find it so I won't post it here...sorry. I have a feeling most people who regularly go on the computer would know what I am referring to.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, after my mom asked me and I didn't have an answer...well now I do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Healthy</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sounds good right? My cynical half (which is more like 3/4) says it sounds like garbage. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But, here we go. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My husband and I would love to have more children. However, neither of us want to go into another pregnancy with baby #1's weight still clinging onto both of us. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> And, horror of horrors, baby #1 is almost 2!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm not looking to turn KSR into a "this is my journey through weight loss and getting healthy to run and marathon and get on US Weekly magazine" blog. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Although, I'll probably post little things about my One Word here and there..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">...Or the next thing you read on KSR might be my One Word for 2013 if past blogging history holds true....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">by the way.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I had a salad for lunch but I imagine it was a large french fry with chili from Wendy's. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have a good imagination.</span></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-47936935500519231632011-04-30T13:30:00.000-07:002011-04-30T13:41:00.567-07:00Home Sweet HomeVisiting my family in Florida is always a welcomed opportunity. <br />
But, sometimes I can't help feeling some disappointment.<br />
<br />
Your bedroom may now be a sewing room or an office...<br />
Your favorite restaurant has closed...<br />
or you might recognize someone in the grocery store...and they walk right past you...<br />
<br />
Each time I visit I realize more and more that home isn't a building. <br />
Home is my family. <br />
Home is holding hands around the dinner table.<br />
Home is a familiar face...<br />
A hug, a laugh, a well-worn story<br />
even a phone call.<br />
<br />
I love my family, my home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqa1fWqxJTgoqKL1uqobVJ55Udc-mBuicvs0a3qqyyGONhWe8jftTb395A0e87Nonqizpy56_jxL4swXrBIXGKn9O0Q3mvy4iC7geGB40aVIZo7iPBJjSQTQ7tempJjEFzGJbduFNd1T4/s1600/love+children+jumping+silhouettes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqa1fWqxJTgoqKL1uqobVJ55Udc-mBuicvs0a3qqyyGONhWe8jftTb395A0e87Nonqizpy56_jxL4swXrBIXGKn9O0Q3mvy4iC7geGB40aVIZo7iPBJjSQTQ7tempJjEFzGJbduFNd1T4/s320/love+children+jumping+silhouettes.png" width="312" /></a></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-36677308893372951982011-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:002011-04-30T13:03:45.003-07:00One Year<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lara of five years ago seems more like a friend than me. </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Five years ago I was 21. I lived in Florida with my family. My brother and his wife didn't have any children yet and I didn't have any life direction....yet. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At that point in my life I didn't think I'd be married. I wasn't worried about marriage or children or really anything. I thought that it would be cool to open a coffee shop...maybe write a childrens' book. I knew about current music...books...movies...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure, I admit, I feel like I've lost touch with <i>that </i>Lara.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I've gained so much more. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is my daughter's first birthday. One year ago (technically one year and one day ago..) my mom and I went to Charming Charlie's...and I went into labor. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For many years I wondered over what was my purpose in life...and tried many different 'purposes'. But, when I became a mommy...life came into focus for me. It is ironic that the girl who avoided children (like the plague) would find completion in having a child. God really does have a sense of humor. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, <b>HAPPY BIRTHDAY</b> baby girl! Thank you for giving your mommy a purpose & I love you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93-69U67ENBcfebOeMghArIzgUaEjS2BQabxL-qrfq86f2-NkH5sKfYbztyF9g86naCzY0AsZZpluGD7PI4QF0-SMbW8k1FqXEksES1kS556mT44rYjNSrB4cmqWNEBY9Y4urAGQfvCn_/s1600/DSCN2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93-69U67ENBcfebOeMghArIzgUaEjS2BQabxL-qrfq86f2-NkH5sKfYbztyF9g86naCzY0AsZZpluGD7PI4QF0-SMbW8k1FqXEksES1kS556mT44rYjNSrB4cmqWNEBY9Y4urAGQfvCn_/s400/DSCN2221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-69730515894715438042011-03-31T12:20:00.000-07:002011-03-31T12:20:28.561-07:00Girl Scout Cookie AdventureI recently set out to recreate some of the classic GS cookie in my own kitchen. Through the magic of Google I found recipes for Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Do-si-do's & Samoas. <br />
<br />
Thin Mints were up first. After reading the recipe I realized that Thin Mints are just chocolate/mint shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate. Doink. So, this recipe was very easy with rather good results.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Thin Mints Cookie Dough</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2 1/4 C Flour</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 C cornstarch</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">6 T unsweetened cocoa powder</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 t salt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1 C sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 C butter, room temp.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/3 C milk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 t vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">3/4 t mint extract</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, cocoa and salt in a small bowl. set aside</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">II. Cream together sugar and butter. with mixer on low speed, add milk and extracts. (mixture will look curdled)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">III. Gradually add in the flour mixture until incorporated.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">IV. Chill dough until firm. Then, shape into two logs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 2 hours or until very firm.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">V. Preheat oven to 375. Slice dough into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and place on parchment lined baking sheet. cookies don't spread much, so they can be placed close together. Bake for 13 - 15 minutes. Cool cookies on wire rack.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Chocolate Coating</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">10 oz dark or semisweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 C butter, room temp</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I. Combine butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high until melted. Stir to make smooth. So dipping is easier, chocolate should be almost like chocolate syrup.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">II. Dip cookies and let set on parchment</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 3 - 4 dozen</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgB5vyezrSU1-DXnMRkOtUCym5bxaAHX-pGwGTHVoy_2j2Jv0PTBGtvrObfsCpAxXeJa1gn8uhD3b4ozmP7XwsLbJAKChN-1atIdw6i9WR-zn4mkQ2ll-DYaKdxpJBDJ1peyHWT_4Kr6W/s1600/cookiebaking+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgB5vyezrSU1-DXnMRkOtUCym5bxaAHX-pGwGTHVoy_2j2Jv0PTBGtvrObfsCpAxXeJa1gn8uhD3b4ozmP7XwsLbJAKChN-1atIdw6i9WR-zn4mkQ2ll-DYaKdxpJBDJ1peyHWT_4Kr6W/s320/cookiebaking+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">After making my Thin Mints I noticed that I should have cut the dough thinner. For the cookies to taste authentic you'll want that real crisp cookie. The cookies freeze well. When I made the recipe I actually only baked half and froze the other half. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, is it worth making Thin Mints at home over buying a box from your local Girl Scout for $4.00? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, but there is a little more effort required than just tearing open a box on the way home from the grocery store.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832352562508054782.post-38298128933994222032011-03-30T11:58:00.000-07:002011-03-30T11:58:10.043-07:00By Request<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The request was made for me to start a blog. My immediate thought was <i>'what would I write about that people would actually want to read?' </i>I am still having that particular thought. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kitchen sink revelations - I'm fairly certain my blog title is probably influence from something I read or saw on TV, but I can't remember from where so I claim this as my own...until someone tells me otherwise. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kitchen sink revelations - this has two meanings. </span><br />
<br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A play on the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink". I'll be writing about whatever strikes me at the moment; books, music, recipes, funny situations, and (of course) reality tv. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a wife and mother which means I spend a good deal of time at the kitchen sink. Oddly enough, I find working at the sink a great place to think, to roll things around in my head. Many a revelation happens for me at the kitchen sink.</span></li>
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you will not find here at Kitchen Sink Revelations:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-proper grammar, spelling or punctuation. i'm not writing a blog to practice my english skills.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-sound advice or solid facts (unless i say otherwise but mostly things will be opinion based -my opinion)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So...welcome! Let the revelation-ing begin! </span></div>L.A.R.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947255642256046601noreply@blogger.com3